Stay in School

The Boston Celtics Stay in School program is presented by Arbella Insurance and is a collaboration of efforts from the Celtics, the New England Sports Museum, the Northeastern University Center for the Study of Sport in Society and the Boston Public Schools. The 2010-11 season marks the 20th year of the Stay in School program in Boston Public Middle Schools.

Based on the premise that children are influenced by sports figures, the Stay in School program uses athletes to encourage good attendance, which plays an instrumental role in determining future scholastic success.

At five assemblies during the academic year, Celtics players and coaches visit and deliver a special program using the acronym "PRIDE" (Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Decisions, Education). At the end of each year, the top 1,000 students are honored for their attendance and academic accomplishments at a celebration. Participation includes 27 public middle schools in Boston in grades six, seven, and eight.

Students are rewarded each month for perfect attendance and on-time arrival for school. In addition to this, students are encouraged to strengthen their writing skills by submitting essays on given topics, as well as submit art drawings.

In addition to students, teachers are also encouraged to become involved in the program by developing sports related curriculums. Teachers are also recognized for their contribution to the Stay in School program. More than 40,000 Boston students have participated in the program since its inception. The program has seen tremendous results for it efforts and involvement in the program has increased each year.

Recent Headlines

March 5, 2012
Celtics legend Dana Barros joined rookie E'Twaun Moore, Avery Bradley and Marquis Daniels at the final Stay in School assembly of the season, taking place at the Tobin K-8 School in Roxbury, Mass.
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January 10, 2012
Celtics legend Dana Barros joined rookie E'Twaun Moore and newly acquired forward Brandon Bass participated in their first Stay in School assembly of their Celtics careers. Like players before them, they were just as excited to pass on the message of education to the youth using the acronym P.R.I.D.E. (Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Decisions, Education).
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November 14, 2011 - Higginson-Lewis K-8 School
Celtics Legend Dana Barros, Lucky and director of community relations and player development, Matt Meyersohn, joined emcee Coach Willie Maye to kick off the 21st year of the Stay in School program at Higginson-Lewis K-8 School.
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May 26, 2011
Celtics Hold 20th Annual Stay in School Awards

March 24, 2011
Stay in School Event Resonates With Students

February 9, 2011
Celtics' Inspiring Words Motivate Group of Students

January 4, 2011
Harangody, Wafer Surprise Edison Middle School Students

October 28, 2010
Celtics Host Stay in School Assembly at Gavin Middle School

December 15, 2009
Celtics Hosted Stay in School Assembly with Students at the Thomas Edison Middle School

November 17, 2009
Celtics Host Stay in School Assembly with Students at Timilty Middle School

October 16, 2009
Celtics Tip-Off 19th Season of the Stay in School Program

May 24, 2007
Celtics Recognize High Achieving Students At 16th Annual 'Stay in School' Awards Celebration

February 8, 2007
Ryan Gomes and Leon Powe Encourage Students to Stay in School During Visit to McKay K-8 School

January 11, 2007
Delonte West and Leon Powe Encourage Students to Stay in School During Visit to Greenwood Elementary School

December 7, 2006
Tony Allen and Rajon Rondo Encourage Students To Stay in School During Visit to Tobin K-8 School